THE INTERFACE BETWEEN NATIONAL INTEREST AND FOREIGN POLICY BEHAVIOR: ANALYTICAL CONTEXT OF KENYA’S MILITARY INVOLVEMENT IN SOMALIA, 2011
Abstract
Purpose of the Study: The purpose of the study was to examine the complex interplay between Kenya's national interests and its decision to intervene militarily in Somalia in 2011, analyzing the factors that shaped this foreign policy choice and its implications for regional security and stability.
Problem Statement: Kenya's military intervention in Somalia in 2011, codenamed 'Operation Linda Nchi' (Operation Protect the Country), marked a significant shift in the country's foreign policy and security strategy, primarily driven by the threat of Al-Shabaab, a Somalia-based terrorist group conducting attacks on Kenyan soil resulting in significant loss of life and economic damage.
Methodology: The study employed a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, synthesizing and critically evaluating various perspectives and empirical data from scholarly works, government reports, and relevant sources to construct a robust analytical framework for understanding Kenya's foreign policy behavior and motivations.
Results of the Study: The study found that Kenya's military involvement in Somalia was motivated by multiple factors beyond the primary Al-Shabaab threat, including broader concerns about regional instability and the need to protect Kenya's economic interests, particularly in the tourism sector. Despite initial successes in pushing Al-Shabaab back from the Kenyan border, the intervention has had unintended consequences, including a resurgence of Al-Shabaab attacks in Kenya and allegations of human rights abuses by Kenyan security forces.
Conclusion: The study concludes that Kenya's military involvement in Somalia represents a complex foreign policy decision driven by national security interests, economic considerations, and regional partnerships. The threat posed by Al-Shabaab and Somalia's instability emerge as primary factors behind Kenya's intervention, underscoring national security's central role in shaping foreign policy behavior.
Recommendations: The study recommends that policymakers and scholars adopt a holistic approach to analyzing foreign policy behavior, considering national interests, regional dynamics, international partnerships, and domestic politics. It emphasizes the need for caution with military interventions, prioritizing diplomatic and non-military solutions while carefully considering potential risks and unintended consequences. Additional recommendations include strengthening regional and international partnerships, effectively integrating military diplomacy into broader foreign policy strategies, and analyzing the influence of domestic political factors on foreign policy decision-making.
Keywords: National Interest, Foreign Policy, Analytical Context, Military Involvement, Kenya, Somalia
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